BREAKFAST FOR A BEAR AND A TOAD KING THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO SEE THE USA. HERE’S THE VIEW ACROSS A BELGIAN WAFFLE… WORDS/PHOTOS THE BEAR “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread… John Muir” Every motorcycle (and other) tour operator needs to have something special to offer. Call it a gimmick; call it whatever you will, but it serves to make the ride more interesting and the memories more vivid. Great American Motorcycle Touring’s “Skip” Schippers offers – breakfast. Not only is the cost included in your tour, but the actual breakfasts are without exception both memorable and excellent. We might have been stopping in a hillbilly café on one of the main boulevards of Los Angeles or in a cheery country kitchen in a rundown mall in Fresno but wherever we were, the food was terrific and – to put it very mildly – ample. It really is no wonder that so many Americans are the size they are. I diverged from my usual American breakfast – two eggs over easy, crisp bacon and hash browns (not those shaped patties straight from the freezer that you get here) to try a variety of dishes including Belgian waffles (!) and was not disappointed – just expanded… But goodness me, here we have arrived at the subject of food again without even mentioning the early morning armed raid in Yosemite or the sleepy near-disaster coming into Las Vegas… or, for that matter, the Case of the Criminal Bear. How to tell it all, without missing breakfast? “Begin at the beginning,” Alice in Wonderland’s King said as I recall, “and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” That’s good advice, now as then. Ah, these Harleys don’t handle badly at all…/ Room #8 has a tragic history. / A Joshua Tree in the eponymous national park. / The open road – a US speciality. / We had no trouble with police at any stage. Luckily for me. IN THE BEGINNING At 3pm on Day Zero we all gathered in the lobby of the LAX Hilton, which is where Great American Motorcycle Touring (GAMT) puts up its tour participants on the first night. The hotel has a courtesy shuttle from the airport, so there is no problem – or cost – in getting there. Taxis then took us to the nearby office of Eaglerider Motorcycles, a large American and international rental company; unlike most other operators, Skip rents bikes rather than owning them. That’s handy both because he can tap a large pool of different models, and because he doesn’t have to move bikes around the country. As tour leader he rides his own BMW K 1600 GT, and his spare H-D Road King travels in the trailer that also holds riders’ luggage. That Road King came in handy on the very first day… but I digress. Most of the riders had chosen Harleys, and not just any Harleys; John and Gayle, William and Jackie and Reg were all on Ultras. Martin and I had chosen Road Kings, and Randall was the only holdout, sticking with the Bavarian brand he owned at home and riding a BMW R 1200 GS. Both of the Road Kings wore particularly attractive paint, a two-tone green that emphasised their sleek lines. And of course the green brought to mind the affectionate nickname that the Road King enjoys among my friends. Long ago, one of them bought one and was the target of some more or less good-natured chivvying when he took it to the pub for the first time. One of these blokes came up with the name Toad King, and my mate seized on that with enthusiasm. “Toad King is right,” he said. “It only takes the right prince to hop aboard to turn it into the king of the road!” Tortured reasoning perhaps, but the nickname stuck and these days we all say Toad King, without any disparaging intention. And a couple of us own them, too; both are now jealous of that two-tone green colour scheme. Bring the Bearalong This was the first of the Best of the West with the Bear tours, and while it certainly wasn’t crowded it was well received. It looks as if we will be running another one at about the same time next year. Skip and I are working on a number of improvements, and we’ll let you know what they are. Getting to the beginning of the tour in Los Angeles is easy from Australia, and looks as if it will be cheaper in future too, as more airlines take on the route. Corralled in Antelope Slot Canyon, from left: Randall, John, Jackie, Reg, William, Frank (our driver), Skip, a Bear, Gayle and Martin. GET OUT ON THE HIGHWAY Breakfast on Day One was at Maxwell’s, a rustic-style café on Washington Boulevard. The country atmosphere is hokey, but it actually fits the food and service. Both are good, and the place was really busy – as all of Skip’s breakfast venues seemed to be. He’s not the only one who can pick good tucker, obviously… Getting out of LA was pretty simple, and without stress. Even in this giant metropolis of more than 20 million people, Sunday morning is relatively quiet. The key word here of course is “relatively”. At Skip’s suggestion we stopped at a place called “Planes of Fame” at Chino airport, a little way off Interstate 60. With its collection of mainly WW2 aircraft it is well worth a look, even though the quality of some of the displays lags behind, say, the HARS air museum at Illawarra Airport or Temora Aviation Museum. We were beginning to notice the heat now. On previous SW American trips I have always had at least one or two rainy days; this time I would almost have been grateful for rain. But it wasn’t 48 degrees yet; that came later. Climbing the ridge to Rim of the World Highway and Big Bear Lake, it […]

YAMAHA MT-07 HO EVERYONE LOVES A HOT ROD! WORDS STUART WOODBURY PHOTOS JOSH EVANS Yamaha’s MT-07 has been a runaway success with Yamaha struggling to keep up with the demand. As you would be aware (well, you should be!) Australia’s version is LAMS approved, while those over in Europe have the full powered, larger capacity version. The MT-07 is such an awesome bike that the full powered version was screaming to be made available here and that’s just what Yamaha Motor Australia has done – for you! So now there are two versions, the LA (LAMS version) and this HO (High Output) version we just rode at the Australian launch. This was not your typical launch with presentations and kissing of feet, no, it was grab the bikes and go for a blast. Just what you or I would do on any given day with a bunch of mates, and the road we blasted up is one I’m very familiar with, the Putty Road. The weather was dry, wet, dry, wet and extremely windy. Only the brave were out on their motorcycles, just a couple plus our crazy bunch. Riding the new HO version was also going to be a great comparison against the LA version that we now own. It would be a good test of the performance mods I’ve made, seeing how they stack up against the bigger capacity, more powerful HO. The MT-07 HO has the same chassis, suspension, brakes and seating position as the LA version. It’s all down to the super sweet parallel twin housed in the tubular steel frame that is different. Engine size is 689cc versus 655cc of the LA. Not a huge difference? Well, it does offer a fatter top end and a much smoother engine versus the LA. Ours has a touch more bottom end than the HO, but the HO does have that top end advantage. If you were to put a freer fl owing exhaust and air filter into the HO, this would make it surpass our bike throughout the entire rev range, making it a “giggle yourself silly till you cry” kind of fun versus “giggle, then giggle some more – like a kid in a lolly shop” (as I always say). Handling is the same super light and agile package and the brakes are powerful with excellent levels of feel – the same package, I dare say, that was fitted to the R6 a few years ago. The HO is being sold in Australia in the one colour combo – matt silver with the blue frame and wheels. The blue highlights of the frame and wheels really look the part. In Europe this is a limited edition model. I was actually thinking of pulling the wheels off and taking them home with me, but I guess that wouldn’t suit the ‘red’ theme we’ve gone for… Is there competition for either the LA or the HO version? Not really. For the price (the HO is only $9999 + orc) and the fun that you get from that tiny price tag, no one else has anything to offer that fits the mould of the MT-07. It might not have 200hp but that makes not one bit of difference and I should know, living with an MT-07 I smile every time I ride it. It does not have a fast top speed, but that helps me keep my licence, too! It is the torque and the way it’s put down to the rear wheel that makes this such a fun bike to ride. If you want an all-round barrel of fun motorcycle, the Yamaha MT-07 HO (or LA for that matter) should be top of your list. The blood is pumping through my veins already in anticipation of my next ride, and you will feel that same exhilaration when you take one out. YAMAHA MT-07 HO (HIGH OUTPUT) PRICE: $9999 (plus on-road charges)WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distanceSERVICING INTERVALS: Every 10,000km or 12 monthsENGINE: Liquid-cooled parallel twin cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderBORE x STROKE: 80 x 68.6mm DISPLACEMENT: 689ccCOMPRESSION: 11.5:1POWER: 55kW @ 9000rpmTORQUE: 68Nm @ 6500rpmTRANSMISSION: 6-speed, wet multi-plate clutch, chain final driveSUSPENSION: Front, 41mm telescopic fork, non-adjustable, travel 130mm. Rear, mono shock, adjustable preload, travel 130mm.DIMENSIONS: Seat height 805mm,weight 179kg (wet), fuel capacity 14 litres, wheelbase 1400mmTYRES: Front, 120/70/ZR17. Rear, 180/55/ZR17FRAME: Tubular steelBRAKES: Front, twin 282mm discs with four-piston calipers. Rear, 245mm disc, single-piston caliper.FUEL CONSUMPTION: 5.5 litres per 100km, premium unleadedTHEORETICAL RANGE: 254kmCOLOURS: Racing BlueVERDICT: THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK, EVER!

DRINK THE WATER COMPILED BY THE BEAR BAY OF BEARS INVASION You may have heard it said that New Zealand is the only Third World country where you can drink the water. It seems that that is not quite true. Recent reports suggest that this applies to Cuba as well, and what’s more, Cuba has an outstanding public health system. In order to check this (I’m nothing if not public spirited) and the rum, I will be visiting Cuba in February/March of next year on an Edelweiss Bike Tour. Dates are from the 24th of February to the 5th of March (see other dates below), but I’m adding on a day at each end to wander around Havana. That means leaving Sydney on the 21st and returning on the 9th, but you can do it in two fewer days. I can put you in touch with my travel agent who can sort the trip for you with a minimum of pain. Want to come and check out the water (and the rum) as well as the amazing cars, scenery and wonderful people – and incidentally see Cuba before it disappears under an avalanche of American tourists? At this stage, Edelweiss tours are on the following dates:Jan 23 – Feb 02 – Classic CubaFeb 06 – 13 – Best of CubaFeb 14 – 21 – Best of CubaFeb 24 – March 05 – Classic CubaNovember 06 – 13 – Best of CubaNovember 16 – 26 Classic CubaCheck them out at www.edelweissbike.com/en/ touren/ and book while you can. I’ll even buy you a mojito if you’re on my tour! Showing the flag – is that the Bay of Bears in the background? / That puts rolling your own into another dimension entirely. JUST SAY MOO MOO A favourite joke among the locals in Australian country towns and even cities is to decide on a particularly odd pronunciation of their or other nearby settlements. That way you can pick strangers, and make fun of them at the same time. Hence you have Lon-cesten for Launceston and Fre-mantel for Fremantle. At the bottom servo in Dorrigo I once asked for directions to Dundurrabin, and it took ages for me to get the pump jockey to “understand” what I was talking about. He then came up with a pronunciation which seemed to have bugger all to do with the name written on the map. This would be a cow of a thing to ride, we reckon… There’s a similar problem with the NSW far north coast town of Mooball. You might think that it’s pronounced the way it’s spelt, but in fact it’s called Mobil by the locals. That hasn’t stopped them from adopting a cow theme for the town. Where Maclean, a little further south, has tartans painted on anything stationary, Mooball has lavished black and white paint in Friesian cow patterns on everything that isn’t mooving. And now there’s the themed Moo Moo Roadhouse which displays a giant Yamaha as well as its cow paint, and offers classic hamburgers which you can wash down with a milkshake before browsing the vintage memorabilia – old cars and newer bikes are on display and for sale. The roadhouse has everything: fuel up, grab a bite to eat, have some of the reputedly excellent coffee and check out the great hot rods, motorcycles, memorabilia and antiques that are on display. There’s even free Wi-Fi. It’s at 5886 Tweed Valley Way, Mooball, phone 02 6677 0057. SERENDIB CALLS YOU And not only that… The beautiful island of Sri Lanka was well known from antiquity and attracted travellers, merchants and colonisers because of its strategic geographical location, natural harbours, spices and precious gemstones. One of the island’s exotic names was ‘Serendib’, the origin of our word ‘serendipity’ meaning an unsought lucky discovery. That is exactly what motorcyclists will feel when exploring this unique island, riding a Royal Enfield motorcycle. Sri Lanka is the size of Tasmania and gives travellers the opportunity to visit pristine beaches, misty mountains, spectacular ancient cities, incredible wildlife reserves, European military forts, lush tea plantations and other unique attractions … all within a fortnight. You can also experience the food, drink, religions and cultures of the diverse people who call this island home. In spite of three decades of civil strife, the people are still friendly, willing to help and have smiles on their faces. ‘Serendib Motorcycling Adventures’ (www.SerendibMotorcyclingAdventures.com) was established by motorcycle enthusiasts who were born, grew up and rode motorcycles all over Sri Lanka. They are keen to share these experiences with other motorcyclists on guided tours, self-guided tours or just rental motorcycles. Guided tours begin early in 2016 but the fleet of near new Royal Enfields can be rented immediately. On offer is personalised planning of your trip based on local experience to make your trip memorable. Contact Michael on 0438 264 632 or email info@SerendibMotorcylingAdventures.com. The latest in safety gear – a few years ago THAIME FOR SMILES Thailand was never colonised by a European country. The country was known as ‘Siam’ for many years until 1948 when it was changed to Thailand which derives from ‘Muang Thai’ meaning ‘land of the free.’ But somehow the name ‘Siam’ seems to have endured until this day and gives a feeling of religiousness, tranquillity and harmony. This is what motorcyclists will experience when riding through the ‘Land of Smiles.’ Thailand is a big country. Most of the landscape is fl at with straight roads but there is a lot to see and do. The road infrastructure, outside congested Bangkok, is generally very good. Thailand offers motorcyclists the opportunity to visit beautiful beaches, peaceful mountains, extraordinary ruined cities and other unique attractions. The mouth-watering variety of food will tantalise your taste buds. ‘Siam Motorcycling Adventures’ (www.SiamMotorcyclingAdventures.com) was established by a Thai motorcycle enthusiast who has ridden in the USA, Australia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. He knows the best motorcycling roads, fantastic attractions, delicious food, great places to stay and activities you must experience […]

SUMMER SHARKS HUH? READ ON… HEAD FOR THE OPEN SEA,SORRY, ROAD Shark Evoline 3 MOOV UP Mat – Price – $529.95 Here, as Martin Luther so memorably said, I stand; or rather sit on my bike, dreaming of the perfect helmet to wear while touring. Let’s see, I need an open face helmet so I can take photos without removing it. But I like a full face for inclement weather such as hail, snow or even just cold rain – and for excessive heat. If it’s convertible from one to the other, that conversion should be quick and easy. The helmet should be comfortable to put on, take off and wear – especially with specs. Of course it should be safe with universally accepted test identification, and quiet. Last but certainly not least it should look good and stay that way for a while. Enter the Shark Evoline 3. I was heading off to America for the Bear’s Best of the West tour and Dave from Shark importers Ficeda (www.ficeda.com.au) suggested I give this helmet a try. It would, he reckoned, meet all of my requirements. I put the helmet through what I can only describe as a baptism of fire. On the trip through the Western US, we admittedly didn’t have any real cold and only a sprinkling of rain, but we did have the kind of heat that really tests a helmet. Try more than 48 degrees for three days… But let’s go through this in detail. Unlike other flip-front helmets, the Evoline has Shark’s interesting and effective “storage” system for the chin bar, which flips right over your head and practically becomes part of the helmet’s shell at the back. That is what gives you the choice of open or full face; it is very easy to make the change – you only need one hand – and it opens the visor as well. The Evoline is also easy to get on or off, and its provision for spectacle arms makes it comfortable to wear for four-eyes like me. There is one problem, at least for me with my big head. When I put the helmet on while wearing glasses, one arm always ends up being pushed down to below my ear. I have to slide the glasses out and re-insert them, which is easy enough. I probably don’t need to mention that a helmet from a prestigious manufacturer like Shark has all the approvals you’d ever want, and the helmet not only looks good but looks like staying that way for quite a while – how do you like the 5 year warranty? Dave told me that the helmet has a faster opening chin bar, reduced noise and improved aerodynamics in both full face and in open face position than previous versions. I can’t comment, not having owned a Shark flip-front before, but I was certainly happy with the opening, noise and aerodynamics. The helmet does not lift even at 100mph (and don’t ask where I did that). It has been compliance tested in both open face and full face configurations. Ventilation has also apparently been improved and works well. The helmet is made from injected thermoplastic resin, has outside anti-scratch and inside anti-fog visor treatment, an integrated sun visor and a quick release visor system. What’s more, you can pull the lining out and wash it, which is something I really appreciated after those hot days. Ventilation has also apparently been improved and works well. The helmet is made from injected thermoplastic resin, has outside anti-scratch and inside anti-fog visor treatment, an integrated sun visor and a quick release visor system. What’s more, you can pull the lining out and wash it, which is something I really appreciated after those hot days. In other words, top marks to the Evoline 3 MOOV UP Mat. I don’t mind rearranging my specs when I put on the helmet – I’d probably do something like that anyway. To the best of my knowledge, Luther never rode a motorcycle but if he had, he too would have found the Shark Evoline handy – perhaps while facing the Diet of Worms? PT HANDS LIKE A B-2DriRider Stealth gloves Price – $89.95 Having worn my Dri Rider Rapid gloves for the last couple of years, and worn them to death, I was in desperate need of a new pair of all-round short cuff gloves. The answer turned out to be the new Dri Rider Stealth gloves. The Stealth gloves are an all-round sports touring glove made with premium cowhide and pre-curved fingers, which basically means the leather is soft and supple from go, shaping to your hands the more you wear them, making you feel all warm and cosy on the inside at how well they fit. The leather is 100% Kevlar stitched for strength and there are perforations in the upper palm area which allow a bit of airflow. They are good for all but the coldest of cold and the hottest of hot days, but in between they have to be one of the best pair of gloves I’ve worn. You get PU knuckle and finger protectors and the palm has Kerprotec for safety. One of the best parts of the Stealth gloves that I love is the silk-like lining,this makes them dead easy to put on and super comfy to wear. You have a Velcro closure with plenty of adjustment available, but the best thing about the Stealth gloves is that they are exactly what I want from a pair of gloves – comfort, excellent fit, understated yet stylish and offering the level of safety that will protect my hands if the worst happens. Priced at only $89.95 I strongly advise you to try on a pair of the DriRider Stealth gloves, because once you do, you’ll buy them. See your local bike dealer or visit www.DriRider.com.au SW ARCTIC COOLDriRider Coolite glovesPrice – $59.95 Once the temperatures start to really get up into the mid to high thirties […]

CLASS DISTINCTION THE 2015 DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE WORDS/PHOTOS THE BEAR On Sunday the 27th of September, I donned my bow tie, dress shirt, sports coat, carefully ironed slacks and loafers and boarded the official Australian MOTORCYCLIST Magazine outfit. This fine conveyance took me to Sydney University, where thousands of other spiffily dressed gentlefolk were already displaying their own outstanding conveyances. Ah! A gathering after my taste! The Sydney ride of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) was about to set off on its way around the city, to North Sydney, Government House and then back to the University. So much style gathered together in one place – and all for a good cause (apart from also showing off our outfit to as many gentlefolk as possible). I’ll start with DGR‘s own, somewhat truncated, description of the ride and its history: For one day a year, thousands of distinguished gentlemen (and genteel ladyfolk) in hundreds of cities worldwide don their cravats, press their tweed and sit astride their classic-styled motorcycles to raise funds for prostate cancer research and awareness. It’s a day about spreading merriment whilst raising awareness of a pressing issue. On Sunday September 27th 2015, more than 30,000 smartly-dressed gentlefolk in more than 400 cities straddled the saddles of their café racers, bobbers,scramblers and other marvellous custom motorcycles to raise awareness and help fund the cure for prostate cancer. In grand style, dapper gents and elegant ladies rode their steeds spreading merriment and joy throughout their communities whilst raising awareness for men’s health. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in 2012 in Sydney Australia,inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. It was decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, while connecting niche motorcycle communities. That first ride brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities. The success of the event encouraged the founder to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. And the rest, as they say, is eloquently attired history. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a celebration of the art of being dapper and the style of classic custom motorcycles. What does that mean, you ask? Think: Monocles, jaunty trimmed moustaches, silk vests, crisp shirts and tailored suits. Ride: Café Racers, Bobbers, Classics, Flat Trackers, Scramblers and quirky, undefinable two-wheeled machines. Do: Bring your finest manners, neatest beards and a sense of fun and adventure. Pay: Nothing to ride (entry is free); but please consider helping our charities by getting your friends and family to sponsor your involvement. There we go. How could I improve on that (but for a few judicious grammatical improvements, it’s true)? I had a wonderful time, saw some simply stunning sights and the motorcycles weren’t bad, either. Indeed, you will be seeing more about them in these pages. Please allow me to encourage you to consider joining in the ride in 2016; I shall certainly be there and I am already working on an Australian Standards Approved deer stalker-style motorcycle helmet. It rained, but nothing more than a perfunctory few drops and I am grateful to the young man who was struggling into his wet weather gear as I passed, and who almost certainly caused the rain to stop. It’s a well-known fact, don’tcha know. So please do keep an eye on www.gentlemansride.com and remember: ride Draper, ride dapper.  The Ride In keeping with the classic lines of Don Draper’s 1957 Matchless G3LS in a publicity photo from Mad Men, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a niche charity event held upon the last Sunday in September with gentlefolk riding their café racer, scrambler, tracker, bobber, classic vintage, classic scooter, classic chopper, sidecar, brat style, modern classic and undefinable motorcycles to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research. And there was a Triumph Thruxton, surely the definitive Distinguished Gentleman’s bike, to be won. Repeat after me: aahh…

 The Big Pic David Attenborough has argued that rather than consider an ant as an individual entity, it’s perfectly logical and sound to consider a complete ants’ nest as a single organism. For me, that also works for small towns where big smoke rules don’t apply: Rather than take a single pub as a standalone item and judge it harshly on its shortcomings, once the bigger picture of the surrounding nest is considered, the place can look a whole more inviting! I’ve found no place where this is more applicable than at Coober Pedy WHITE MAN’S HOLE RIBA’S UNDERGROUND CAMPING GROUNDWORDS/PHOTOS COLIN WHELAN It’s the mullock piles which signal that you’re near the end of your ride. Resembling some sort of weird geophagist wet dream, a vast smorgasbord of brobdingnagian pinches of salt and spices, they grab your tired eyes about 30km out of town. First they dot the landscape but soon they dominate it. Mounds of mine waste, from a metre or so high to some several storeys tall surrounded by signs warning of endless open shafts and the dangers of walking backwards and running in any direction. This is a landscape that’s as novel as it’s unique. Wherever you’ve come from, you’ve come a long way to get here and I can tell you one thing for sure, there ain’t nothing close to this. Now you can take that literally, figuratively, culturally, geographically or architecturally. Doesn’t matter, whichever way you’d be right! Welcome to what’s known in the local indigenous dialect as White Man’s Hole, as ‘kupapiti’ which was phonetically transposed into “Coober Pedy’ from its original white man’s name of Stuarts Range. I head down the access road, past the turn off to the cemetery named “Boot Hill” and then the Shell Servo, to the centre of town needing some stores so I stop at the IGA further down the main street. It’s got heaps of fresh crisp fruit and vegetables plus all the other stuff you’ll find in larger towns. The attached bottle shop also has a good range but Coober is subject to special alcohol restrictions so it’s only possible to buy one bottle of spirits or wine per day per person. (Unlimited beer though!) I’m bound for Riba’s Underground Camping Ground which is 4km south of the town so I head out while there’s still light, take the left and follow the good gravel for 1km until I get to this amazing place. This, quite literally will be my ‘digs’ for the next two days and I’m met by, er, mine hosts. Rick and Barb arrived in Coober Pedy 21 years ago, in a camper van, aiming to drive around Australia. They were booked in for standard camping at Riba’s which was then owned by a German who was about to sell the rudimentary camp and its attached two small cliff face mines to a young Swiss couple. Well the Swiss bloke fell over while noodling on a mullock heap and the sale fell through in the three weeks Rick and Barb were camped and, to cut to the chase, they fell in love with the blue sky and the clean air, Barb got opal fever and they decided to put the trip on hold and buy the joint. (‘Noodling’ is bare hand fossicking through the mullock piles.) Neither will claim credit for coming up with the idea of underground camping but it evolved during a trip back to Melbourne to sell their car and other stuff. When they arrived back they began to dig . By hand. Each stick of gelignite yielded a metre of progress. It also yielded 35 wheelbarrows of rock, with 15 shovelfuls per barrow load. All to be pushed uphill to the exit by Rick. Pretty soon Barb told him that it was going to take a 100 years or it was going to kill them so they called in a couple of miners with an tunneling machine. In 1996 they opened the first section, a long common area like a long stone dining room. People went crazy. It was full all the time. They decided to expand. Working during the hottest months of January and Feb, they finally opened the 12 alcove extension and the enlarged TV and internet room in 2006. They’d spent 9 years living in a hole, sixteen years without their own bathroom but finally had their dream. And it was the dream of a lot of others too. The only underground camping ground in the world, in the quiet serenity 5km out town and a full kilometre from the highway, was a hit from the beginning. Quite simply it is unique and a lot of fun! Diggings I’ve been calling my domicile my, ‘digs’ ever since my university days. I think I got it from my Dad. It’s a contraction of ‘diggings’ which was first used in the sense of a place to stay back in the mid-1800’s, with Charles Dickens using it in his 1844 book, Martin Chuzzlewit, and by the 1890s it’d been shortened to just ‘digs’ primarily by actors who were always looking for a spare bed in which to crash. As I rode the 5km south of town to Riba’s Underground Camping Ground, I realised that never has it been more apposite! Reception is above ground so I hand over my 30 bucks for the two nights and ride around to the entrance. The flies are fierce at 3.30 in the arvo but as you walk down the ramp and into the cave, they hang back in the sun: no need for screens or doors or sprays, nature takes care of it all. Brilliant! Down the ramp and into the cavern. I head to the back section where already a few tents are set up and chuck my stuff into ‘my’ alcove. I figure there’s no need for a tent so it’s just the Thermorest cot and my sleeping bag. Easy. Next to me a couple of blokes I’d […]

HO, HO, HO! YOU GUESSED RIGHT; IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR COMPILED BY STUART WOODBURY Yep, that time of year where Aussies and our good neighbours the Kiwis sweat their way through joyous Christmas days with plenty of good food and plenty of icy cold beer. And now buying a present for a motorcyclist has been made easy with our gift guide. We’ve scoured the world for goodies, and there is bound to be something to suit every budget and taste in the following pages. Enjoy! MOTORCYCLE TOURS For the ultimate Christmas present, give the motorcyclist in your life (or give yourself!) a cracking holiday on an organised tour. There are many advertisers in the pages of Australian Motorcyclist to choose from, with tours running all over the world. And if you’re quick, we highly recommend coming on our very own Hiamo tour with Paradise Motorcycle Tours New Zealand, which will run late Jan, early Feb 2016. GARMIN www.garmin.com.auVirb XE – $529 The Virb XE is a rugged HD action camera with built-in GPS to track and overlay data on footage. It has an exposed microphone for clear audio underwater (not that you want to be doing that!) and is waterproof to 50m without a dive case. You also get built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled audio. Zumo 590LM – $899 readability and a glove-friendly touchscreen display. The device is ruggedly built and withstands fuel vapours, UV rays and harsh weather. We’ve tested and loved the 590LM, so it comes highly recommended. HOUSE OF MARLEYwww.houseofmarley.com.auChant BT Sport – $149.95 For those who can’t be without their tunes at the end of a ride, the Chant BT Sport is a portable Bluetooth audio device designed for the outdoor enthusiast and extreme sports buff. Built tough to withstand rough treatment the Chant BT Sport is also water resistant and even fl oats without sacrificing the superior quality sound for which House Of Marley is renowned. Boasting two 4.5 watt 1.75 inch drivers with 2 passive radiators to pump out that bass and a 3.7 volt USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this is a portable speaker that is built to fill your day with a sublime music injection. The device is the size of a water bottle, so it is easily packed into any luggage space. BMW MOTORRADwww.bmwmotorrad.com.au or your local BMW dealerRallye Teddy – $55 Who doesn’t want to cuddle up to this cutie? BMWs teddy bear with Rallye motorcycling suit and removal enduro helmet. He is approximately 28cm in size. Logo T-shirts – $45 (Kids), $65 (Ladies and Men’s) Large print “BMW Motorrad” logo type on front, triple quilt stitching in contrasting colour at hems, embroi dered BMW logo on left sleeve, small side label and made from 100 % cotton for the Motorrad fan. Kids available in red, ladies in blue and men’s in grey. Logo Cup – $20 White porcelain cup with large BMW Motorrad branding for those who love to drink coffee or tea – and isn’t that your favourite motorcyclist? Logo Wallet – $90 High-quality, classic black leather wallet with functional design: 2 compartments for banknotes and 1 coin compartment with stud fastener, 10 card compartments and 1 concealed compartment for a secret card. There is also a flip-open mesh compartment for an ID card and BMW branding by way of a stamped “BMW Motorrad” and metal badge BMW logo. HORIZONS UNLIMITED www.horizonsunlimited.com2016 Calendar – $19 Inspire that next travelling adventure with this 2016 calendar from Horizons Unlimited. Featuring some wonderful photos from adventurers from across the globe, it will look great in any part of the house, man cave or garage. Visit www.horizonsunlimited.com/store/calendars/2016-calendar to purchase. GERBER http://au.gerber.com/Dime – $34.95 The Dime is a pocket-sized tool that’s ultra-lightweight and jam packed with a total of 10 individual tools, ideal for a variety of everyday situations. Taking the standard key-chain multi-tool and ramping it up a notch, the Gerber Dime is designed to be taken with you wherever you go – except on a plane! BG Grandfather Knife – $44.95 Equal parts utility and encouragement for adventure, the BG Grandfather knife is for anyone who enjoys that taste of the “old school” vibe. The tool selection is simple by design, offering what you need to save the day at the picnic when there’s no wine opener in sight, or to adjust the throttle on your mower without making a trip back to the garage. Includes fine edge blade, corkscrew, fl at and Phillips-head screwdrivers, small file and all-important bottle opener. ANDY STRAPZ www.andystrapz.comSholda Bagz – $88 plus postage An extremely handy bag, the Sholda is made from new generation “oilless” oilskin. Officially called Fortress it turns 100% cotton fabric into a microporous, hydrophobic, breathable, washable bag that looks just like old fashioned oilskin. The best of both worlds! Exped SynMat – 2 Sizes, Standard (M) $142 and Long Wide (LW) $158 plus postage The Ultralight Mat is about the size of two cans of beer and weighs less. It can be blown up by mouth in about 20 breaths and we’ve used it in some pretty cold conditions. For the majority of Aussie applications the -4 rating is more than enough insulation from the creeping cold of the ground. This mat comes in two sizes (Standard and Long/Wide) depending on how big you are. Traveller Pannierz – $345 a set, plus postage Designed to fit any bike with side covers/panels or fenders these are backed with a special adjustable, sticky, memory foam pad. This pad will reduce the scuffing of bodywork. Made from Andy’s super heavy duty Aussie Canvas they are secured by his unique tensioning system. TARMAC – www.cassons.com.auWaterproof GPS/Phone Holder – $24.95 – $29.95 Clear screen for easy reading of GPS/Phone units, and comes with a double zipper and foam inserts for a secure fitment. Available in 3 sizes up to a 5.7″ screen and 3 different mounts are available at an extra cost. Waterproof Super Glow Clock – $59.95 It’s always good to know what time it […]

HEAD SURFSIDE VIA THE WAY THE PIGEON FLIES – ULLADULLA TO BATEMANS BAY, NSW This month we head to the beach because as the temperatures start to warm up, there’s nothing better than cooling off in the surf after a dirty ride on the trails. This route takes you from the popular New South Wales surf side town of Ulladulla across and past Pigeon Mountain and down south to the even more popular Bate mans Bay. ULLADULLA This sleepy seaside town is a holiday destination for many during long weekends and school holidays. Then the town comes alive and gets quite busy. You can get fuel and most supplies. MILTON Milton is a small town that is now a “trendy” place to go. It has many cafes and a couple of antique shops, and world famous chef, Rick Stein has his seafood restaurant at nearby Bannisters Point. Fuel is available so it’s a good idea to fill or top up here as it’s the last fuel stop before you get to Nelligen and/or Batemans Bay. PIGEON HOUSE MOUNTAIN Pigeon House was sighted by Captain James Cook upon his journey along the eastern shores of Australia. Pigeon House has recently been renamed “Didhol” out of respect to the elders of the Yuin nation, the Aboriginal elders past and present who originated from the area Ulladulla was built upon. The traditional name of the peak, Didhol, means “woman’s breast”, from the mountain’s clear resemblance to the shape of exactly that. Well, we think so. BROOMAN A few shacks spread around the place, but more of a landmark to let you know you’re on the right track. NELLIGEN Nelligen is a village on the Clyde River. It is on the Kings Highway and while you can get fuel, it is only eight kilometres from Batemans Bay. Nelligen is good for river cruises along the Clyde, so you might like to make some time to experience this relaxing area. BATEMANS BAY Fishing, surfi ng and more relaxation is what you can experience at your final destination of Batemans Bay. There is a motorcycle shop, plenty of fuel and the Bay Wharf café on Clyde Street is well worth a stop for a nice feed and good coffee. AN ALTERNATIVE WAY HOME If you came from Sydney or just want to make your way back north, I recommend stopping into some of the beachside villages along the way. South Durras, Pebbly Beach, Merry Beach, Kioloa, Bawley Point are just some of the sleepy places where you can camp or find accommodation. All have great beaches with crystal clear water and lots of good fishing spots.